Country music legend Dolly Parton dies at 80 after cancer battle

Dolly Parton, the beloved icon of country music, has passed away at the age of 80. Her death on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, followed a courageous battle with cancer, as confirmed by her official representatives.

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Dolly Parton whom we loved spent her life and career bringing joy laughter hope and integrity to everything she touched.

Parton, renowned for her timeless hits like “Jolene,” “I Will Always Love You,” and “9 to 5,” left behind a legacy that extended far beyond the music charts. Her representatives issued a statement honoring her lifelong dedication to spreading joy, laughter, and hope. "Dolly Parton, whom we loved, spent her life and career bringing joy, laughter, hope, and integrity to everything she touched," the statement read. "Her unparalleled generosity touched the lives of countless people she never even met, yet she was always there to lend a helping hand."

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Her unparalleled generosity touched the lives of countless people she never even met yet she was always there to lend a helping hand.

The statement also highlighted Parton's significant contributions outside of her music career, including her extensive social activism and medical philanthropy. "Whether it was the hundreds of millions of books donated through her precious Imagination Library or funding research that helped create life-saving vaccines used around the world, Dolly's unconditional love for everyone was the driving force behind her lasting impact," it continued. "After bravely facing a short struggle with cancer, Dolly left her earthly life today at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones."

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Whether it was the hundreds of millions of books donated through her precious Imagination Library or funding research that helped create life-saving vaccines used around the world Dolly's unconditional love for everyone was the driving force behind her lasting impact.

Her passing was first announced by her nephew, Bryan Seaver, who shared a heartfelt video on Instagram. Seaver, who served as her head of security for over two decades, expressed his sorrow in fulfilling his aunt's final wishes. "My name is Bryan Seaver, son of Cassie Parton, and I represent the Parton and Owens families today in announcing the passing of my aunt, Dolly Rebecca Parton Dean, Sister, Sis, and Granny to one generation and Gigi to the next," he stated.

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After bravely facing a short struggle with cancer Dolly left her earthly life today at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center surrounded by loved ones.